The concept of Wavertree Garden Suburb owes it origins to the ideals of nineteenth century social reformers who, appalled by the housing conditions of their time, campaigned for a way of life based on community centred garden suburbs built to low densities enabling people to live in peaceful, pleasant and healthy surroundings. The Liverpool Garden Suburb Tenants Limited was founded in 1909 as a tenants' co-operative, capital and loan stock was raised, and the first 100 houses were completed and occupied by 1912. The houses were planned with a limitation of twelve to the acre, allowing ample space for the provision of individual gardens. Open spaces, a children's playground, tennis courts and a bowling green were included in the scheme, and many trees were planted in streets, hedgerows and gardens. In the decade before Worlds War 1 the Garden Suburb was visited by people from all parts of the country and overseas who praised its layout, house designs and the thriving community spirit of its residents.
Wavertree Garden Suburb Conservation Area was designated on 22 December 1971.
A contemporary journal contrasted the cottages and gardens of the Surburb with the terraced houses being built elsewhere.
The first part of the suburb to the west of Wavertree Nook Road was laid out in 1910 by Raymond Unwin, who, with his partner Barry Parker, designed such other influential Garden Suburbs as Letchworth, Hampstead, and New Earswick near York. G.I. Sutcliffe was the architect for the houses.
The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury, 19th November 1913 reported:
'Each house has its own plot of ground for a garden - and is planned so that a maximum amount of light and sunshine may be put upon it. The living room or working room has the sunniest aspect generally. It is a feature of the builders to supply all the fittings necessary for the Electric Light. 'The servant question has been solved largely by the introduction of many up-to-date internal arrangements for labour saving.'
And before that, in 1911:
'The social life of the Liverpool Garden Suburb was appropriately inaugurated by a Garden Party held on Saturday July 1st. To the accompaniment of cheerful conversation, about eighty sat down to tea, provided by the Ladies' Committee, and served on one of the greens. The Garden Suburb Choir then made its first appearance. Such favourites as "Sweet and Low" and "Oh! who will o'er the Downs with me?" sounded more than ever delightful in the clear air.'